{"id":8315,"date":"2022-04-16T10:10:50","date_gmt":"2022-04-16T09:10:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/?p=8315"},"modified":"2023-06-11T17:29:25","modified_gmt":"2023-06-11T16:29:25","slug":"reaper-spectrum-analyzer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/reaper-spectrum-analyzer","title":{"rendered":"REAPER Spectrum Analyzer (Comprehensive Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p><strong>REAPER has a spectrum analyzer plugin called &lsquo;JS: Frequency Spectrum Analyzer Meter (Cockos)&rsquo; that you can use to look at the frequency spectrums of different parts of your track. This REAPER plugin gives you a more detailed look at EQ spectrums than your typical visual equalizer plugin.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Spectral Analysis In REAPER<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Spectral analysis is a handy tool for any music producer who wants to take an in-depth look at an EQ spectrum within their mix and make informed decisions about spectral editing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although plenty of other equalizer plugins gives you a visual display of an EQ spectrum, a spectrum analyzer plugin gives you a more detailed look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this comprehensive guide, I will show you the REAPER spectrum analyzer plugin and how to use it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Does REAPER Have a Spectrum Analyzer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, REAPER does have a spectrum analyzer plugin called &lsquo;<strong>JS: Frequency Spectrum Analyzer Meter (Cockos)<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use this plugin to analyze EQ frequency spectrums within your mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is a Spectrum Analyzer Good For?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A spectrum analyzer is good for taking a closer look at a frequency spectrum than a standard visual EQ plugin can offer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A spectral analysis plugin has advanced features that give you a more detailed view of an EQ spectrum. You can use these features to make informed EQ decisions in your mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How To Use The Spectral Analyzer In REAPER<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What You Will Need To Follow This Tutorial<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only thing you will need to follow this tutorial is the REAPER&nbsp;<strong>DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)&nbsp;<\/strong>because the &lsquo;JS: Frequency Spectrum Analyzer Meter (Cockos)&rsquo; plugin that we will be using comes with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step One &ndash; Insert The Plugin<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step for using the &lsquo;JS: Frequency Spectrum Analyzer Meter (Cockos)&rsquo; REAPER plugin is to insert it onto the track that you want to use it on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Click the &lsquo;<strong>Show Track FX Window<\/strong>&lsquo; button on the desired track and find the spectrum analyzer plugin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video aligncenter\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/REAPER-Open-the-Spectrum-Analyzer.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have done this, we are ready to move on and use the spectrum analyzer plugin.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step Two &ndash; Use The Plugin For Spectral Analysis<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The next step for using the spectrum analyzer plugin is to look closely at your EQ spectrums and make observations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can do this by toggling through the different controls within the plugin that give you different views of the EQ spectrum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Features Within The Spectrum Analyzer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Phase Toggle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The &lsquo;Phase&rsquo; toggle lets you view the EQ spectrum with that track&rsquo;s phase on or off.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video aligncenter\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/REAPER-Spectrum-Analyzer-Phase-Toggle.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blackman-Harris Toggle&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The next toggle allows you to switch between the different ways you can view your EQ spectrum (this is an advanced feature that you can leave in the default position).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video aligncenter\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/REAPER-Spectrum-Analyzer-Toggle-Two.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FFT Control<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The &lsquo;FFT&rsquo; control lets you change the resolution at which you view your EQ spectrums depending on whether you want a detailed or a broad and more general view.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video aligncenter\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/REAPER-Spectrum-Analyzer-FFT-Control.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Integrate Function<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The &lsquo;Integrate&rsquo; function changes the speed at which your EQ spectrum analyzer displays your EQ spectrum. This function helps get a closer view of an EQ spectrum.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video aligncenter\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/REAPER-Spectrum-Analyzer-Integrate-Function.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Slope Control<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The &lsquo;Slope&rsquo; control changes the frequency bias in which you see your EQ spectrums. I recommend leaving this in its default position unless you really know what you are doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video aligncenter\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/REAPER-Spectrum-Analyzer-Slope-Control.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Floor Function<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The &lsquo;Floor&rsquo; function changes the scale of your EQ spectrum. You can use this function to see your EQ spectrum on a smaller or larger scale.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video aligncenter\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/REAPER-Spectrum-Analyzer-Floor-Function.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How To Read An Audio Spectrum Analyzer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An audio spectrum analyzer displays amplitude on the Y-axis and frequency on the x-axis. These are the two main parameters that an audio spectrum analyzer shows us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Basically, an audio spectrum analyzer shows us a frequency and how loud it is in the spectrum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Should I Look For In a Spectrum Analyzer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A spectrum analyzer is a relatively straightforward tool in the world of music production, and there aren&rsquo;t many extra features that you should be looking for in one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All you really need is a simple but accurate spectral analyzer with a few settings, such as&nbsp;<strong>FFT controls,&nbsp;<\/strong>to change the definition at which you see your EQ spectrum, a&nbsp;<strong>Phase toggle<\/strong>&nbsp;to turn phase on and off, and an&nbsp;<strong>Integrate function&nbsp;<\/strong>to change the speed at which you see your EQ spectrum displayed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is Reference Level In a Spectrum Analyzer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The reference level is the power level to which you compare all audio input into the spectrum analyzer. It is the volume level that serves as our reference point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Essentially, we use the volume level to measure our EQ frequency spectrum against.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Real Time Spectrum Analyzer vs. Swept Spectrum Analyzer&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A real-time spectrum analyzer shows you your EQ spectrum in real-time, or right as it&rsquo;s happening. In contrast, a swept spectrum analyzer shows it with less detail and a bit more delay.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both can be useful for different purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Related Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1649615423237\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Does REAPER DAW Have a Spectrogram?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, REAPER does have a spectrogram plugin. REAPER&rsquo;s spectrogram plugin is&nbsp;<strong>&lsquo;JS: Frequency Spectrograph Spectrogram Meter<\/strong>&nbsp;(Cockos).&rsquo;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>To use the spectrogram plugin in REAPER, click the &lsquo;<strong>Show Track FX Window<\/strong>&lsquo; button on the track you want to use it on and search for the &lsquo;<strong>JS: Frequency Spectrograph Spectrogram Meter<\/strong>&nbsp;(Cockos)&rsquo; plugin.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Once the plugin is inserted, you can use it to closely view your EQ spectrum and its frequency content\/frequency range.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1649615453990\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can You Use REAPER Plugins in Another DAW?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, you can use certain REAPER plugins in another DAW using&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cockos.com\/reaper\/reaplugs\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this link<\/a>&nbsp;to download the ReaPlug versions.<\/p>\n<p>ReaPlugs is a collection of REAPER plugins in VST form so that you can use them in other DAWs. This is helpful, especially if you are a music producer trying to see if REAPER is right for you.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1649615560670\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How Do You Use REAPER Plugins?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>To use plugins in REAPER, click the &lsquo;<strong>Show Track FX Window<\/strong>&lsquo; button on the track you want to use the plugins on, click the &lsquo;<strong>Add<\/strong>&lsquo; button, and then insert the plugin(s) that you want to use.<\/p>\n<p>You can use either REAPER&rsquo;s collection of stock plugins or your own third-party plugins.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-video-popup_59b488-91 .kadence-video-popup-wrap .kadence-video-overlay{opacity:0.3;;mix-blend-mode:none;;background:#000000;;}.kadence-video-popup_59b488-91 .kadence-video-popup-wrap:hover .kadence-video-overlay{opacity:0.5;;}.kadence-video-popup_59b488-91 .kadence-video-popup-wrap{border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);border-right:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);border-bottom:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);border-left:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);}.kadence-video-popup_59b488-91 .kadence-video-popup-wrap .kt-video-svg-icon{color:#ffffff;}.kadence-video-popup_59b488-91 .kadence-video-popup-wrap .kt-video-svg-icon > svg{stroke-width:2;}.glightbox-kadence-dark.kadence-popup-_59b488-91 .goverlay{background:#000000;opacity:0.8;}.glightbox-container.kadence-popup-_59b488-91 .gclose path, .glightbox-container.kadence-popup-_59b488-91 .gnext path, .glightbox-container.kadence-popup-_59b488-91 .gprev path{fill:#ffffff;}.glightbox-container.kadence-popup-_59b488-91 .gslide-video, .glightbox-container.kadence-popup-_59b488-91 .gvideo-local{max-width:900px !important;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-video-popup_59b488-91 .kadence-video-popup-wrap{border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);border-right:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);border-bottom:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);border-left:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-video-popup_59b488-91 .kadence-video-popup-wrap{border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);border-right:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);border-bottom:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);border-left:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-videopopup kadence-video-popup_59b488-91\"><div class=\"kadence-video-popup-wrap kadence-video-noshadow\"><div class=\"kadence-video-intrinsic \"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/reaper-spectrum-analyzer-YouTube-Video.jpg\" alt=\"reaper spectrum analyzer &ndash; YouTube Video\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" class=\"kadence-video-poster wp-image-8864\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/reaper-spectrum-analyzer-YouTube-Video.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/reaper-spectrum-analyzer-YouTube-Video-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/reaper-spectrum-analyzer-YouTube-Video-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/reaper-spectrum-analyzer-YouTube-Video-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201280%20720'%3E%3Crect%20width='1280'%20height='720'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"reaper spectrum analyzer &ndash; YouTube Video\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" class=\"kadence-video-poster wp-image-8864 eager-load\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/reaper-spectrum-analyzer-YouTube-Video.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/reaper-spectrum-analyzer-YouTube-Video.jpg.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/reaper-spectrum-analyzer-YouTube-Video.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/reaper-spectrum-analyzer-YouTube-Video-300x169.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/reaper-spectrum-analyzer-YouTube-Video-1024x576.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/reaper-spectrum-analyzer-YouTube-Video-768x432.jpg.webp 768w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><div class=\"kadence-video-overlay\"><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/pEsNbYj5I4E\" role=\"button\" data-popup-class=\"kadence-popup-_59b488-91\" data-effect=\"none\" class=\"kadence-video-popup-link kadence-video-type-external\"><div style=\"display:inline-flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center\" class=\"kt-video-svg-icon kt-video-svg-icon-style-default kt-video-svg-icon-fas_play kt-video-play-animation-none kt-video-svg-icon-size-auto\"><svg style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" height=\"30\" width=\"30\" fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><title>Play<\/title><path d=\"M424.4 214.7L72.4 6.6C43.8-10.3 0 6.1 0 47.9V464c0 37.5 40.7 60.1 72.4 41.3l352-208c31.4-18.5 31.5-64.1 0-82.6z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Check the following article for our <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/does-reaper-come-with-plugins\"><strong>complete guide to REAPER plugins<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>REAPER has a spectrum analyzer plugin called &lsquo;JS: Frequency Spectrum Analyzer Meter (Cockos)&rsquo; that you can use to look at the frequency spectrums of different parts of your track. This REAPER plugin gives you a more detailed look at EQ spectrums than your typical visual equalizer plugin.&nbsp; Spectral Analysis In REAPER Spectral analysis is a &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":8357,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[109,27],"tags":[87,90],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":109,"label":"REAPER"},{"value":27,"label":"Tips And Techniques"}],"post_tag":[{"value":87,"label":"Reaper"},{"value":90,"label":"Reaper Tips"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/REAPER-Spectrum-Analyzer-Comprehensive-Guide.jpg",700,450,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"Jack Oberkirsch","author_link":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/author\/jack"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":109,"name":"REAPER","slug":"reaper","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":109,"taxonomy":"category","description":"Join the REAPER revolution and revolutionize your music production workflow. We provide the latest updates, tips, tricks, and tutorials.","parent":27,"count":55,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":109,"category_count":55,"category_description":"Join the REAPER revolution and revolutionize your music production workflow. We provide the latest updates, tips, tricks, and tutorials.","cat_name":"REAPER","category_nicename":"reaper","category_parent":27},{"term_id":27,"name":"Tips And Techniques","slug":"tips-and-technique","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":27,"taxonomy":"category","description":"Stuck and not sure what to do?\r\n\r\nWe\u2019ve got tips, tricks, and techniques that will help you get things moving.","parent":75,"count":262,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":27,"category_count":262,"category_description":"Stuck and not sure what to do?\r\n\r\nWe\u2019ve got tips, tricks, and techniques that will help you get things moving.","cat_name":"Tips And Techniques","category_nicename":"tips-and-technique","category_parent":75}],"tag_info":[{"term_id":87,"name":"Reaper","slug":"reaper","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":87,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":69,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":90,"name":"Reaper Tips","slug":"reaper-tips","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":90,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":56,"filter":"raw"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8315"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8315"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8315\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8866,"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8315\/revisions\/8866"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8357"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8315"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8315"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8315"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}